Biden approves long-range missiles for Ukraine's defence
President Joe Biden has, for the first time, permitted Ukraine to use American long-range missiles to attack Russian territory. This authorisation allows Ukrainians to deploy ATACMS missiles to defend their forces in the Kursk region, according to "The New York Times".
A significant policy change by the American administration has occurred regarding Ukraine. American officials state that ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) missiles, with a range of approximately 190 miles, will be used primarily against Russian and North Korean units threatening Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region in western Russia.
The Biden administration has begun to relax restrictions on the use of American weapons on Russian territory following a cross-border attack by Russia towards Kharkiv in May. Previously, Ukrainians had permission to use HIMARS systems, which have a range of about 50 miles, against Russian forces near the border, but they were not allowed to use ATACMS missiles.
North Korean engagement
According to American sources, the Russian army is preparing to launch a major offensive with forces of around 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean units. The aim is to reclaim all Russian territory that Ukrainians captured in August. Ukrainians can use ATACMS missiles to attack concentrations of Russian and North Korean troops, key military equipment, logistical hubs, and ammunition depots.
American officials claim that "Allowing the Ukrainians to use the long-range missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, came in response to Russia’s surprise decision to bring North Korean troops into the fight". Some advisors were concerned that using missiles on Russian territory might provoke President Vladimir Putin to retaliate against the United States and its allies.
International support
President Volodymyr Zelensky had long sought the approval of the United States and its allies to use long-range missiles against Russian territory. British and French armed forces have provided Ukraine with a limited number of Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, with a range of approximately 155 miles, but their leaders hesitated to authorise the use of these missiles on Russian territory without Washington's consent.
American officials highlight that "The Ukrainians could use the ATACMS missiles to strike Russian and North Korean troop concentrations, key pieces of military equipment, logistics nodes, ammunition depots and supply lines deep inside Russia". According to them, the policy change may not alter the course of the war, but it will enable Ukraine to target high-value assets it previously could not reach, and it also sends a message to North Korea about the consequences of its involvement in the conflict, summarises "The New York Times".
